Xander looked at the one who smiled at him and smiled back and stretched his hands to shake hers. He had never seen her before but maybe he was not paying attention much to everything that happened around him. But he know exactly who she was. She was one of Zeus' daughter.


"Nothing much really. the usual stuff that Bacchus has to offer. And besides mother always attends to those functions besides the usual festivities in Athens and the never ending battle with my uncle." Xander chuckled as he mentioned his uncle Ares.

Cassie blinked as he offered her his shoulder and jacket again reminded of how gentlemanly he was. she felt butterfly's fluttering around persistently in her stomach as she made a bold decision. "Sure." she answered softly, trying not to sound eager and failing miserably.

Cassie looked rather eager to tell him more about things down on...earth. "Well a recorder is sort of like a tube with a bunch or holes on one side and one or two holes on the other. When you put your fingers on different holes it plays different notes." she explained. "I still wasn't to great at that." she admitted sheepishly.

"Yep, I'm a Ravenclaw it's great-" she began an excited explanation, but stopped herself and started explaining all four houses. "There are four different houses. Gryffindor is for the brave and chivalrous, Hufflepuff is for the kind and loyal, Slytherin is for the cunning and ambitious, and last but not least Ravenclaw is for the with lots of wit and wiseness will prosper." she recited, smiling happily at him. Cassie let out another delicate yawn and let her head fall a bi hesitantly to his shoulder. Much more comfy than a window pane.

Raelyn was glad he shaked her hand as well so she gave him yet another smile.

"What's your name?" she asked curiously, waiting for him to introduce himself. she figured from his looks he was a demigod like herself, but she couldn't exactly place just who he was.

Ater smiled a dazzling smile at the girl’s eagerness to use his shoulder as a pillow, he didn’t know why but it made him feel… happy. The boy listened as she explained what a recorder was, he thought about it for a while and asked “it is like a flute then, correct?” at least it sounded similar to it. He then chuckled amusedly as the girl began a tirade about Ravenclaw only to then stop and force herself to speak of the other houses as well. He listened carefully and frowned slightly “What happens then if you have more than one characteristic? From what you said I could go to any of the houses then… how do I know which one is mine?” he asked wondering where he would belong. But his worry melted and the girl smiled at him with happiness, she then yawned and placed her head on his shoulder, his stomach immediately felt like it was knotted, it was a very strange feeling, one he didn’t want to dissect now, so he filed it for further analysis and reached with his right hand to tuck his coat better around Cassie.

Agatha watched Cassie and Ater talk and smiled to herself, they looked nice together, for some reason, seeing the two together made her feel happy and proud. She looked at Maddie and the girls shared a knowing look between them.

Maddie grinned at Agatha but said and did nothing that might interrupt the moment between the two of them. She had the sneaking suspicion that Ater's politeness didn't quite cover everything he was doing to make Cassie more comfortable. Still, she listened as Cassie described the Houses and a concerned look crossed her expression. "Several of those attributes might be used to describe myself as well," Maddie said, turning to Agatha. "I'm afraid I do not understand."

Rai sighed, You're right. We're not. But it's not as if you're up there anyway. He grinned cheekily.


Mikki shrugged, I don't know who else. But yes, my siblings. She smiled at the thought of them.

Agatha heard Maddie’s concern and nodding she replied “hmm, I see what you mean, but usually we all have a bit from more than one house, and no one says which house you belong to” she took some time to think how she was going to explain “We have a hat, that was infused with a bit from each founder of the school, after whom we have the four houses, and that speaks; we place the hat on our heads, and it reads our mind, more or less, and see that which even we don’t and determines to which house we are more suited… much like an oracle, it points in the general direction, but you can always alter it, that’s why we’ve had brave Slytherings, deceiving Gryffindors and so on.” She hoped she had explained it well, because if she didn’t the girl would be even more confused.

Ater listened to Aggie and nodded slightly at her “much like one can be part of a family and yet not share all of their traits, correct?” he inquired softly, so as not to disturb the slumbering girl beside him, who seemed to be lulled by his scent on the jacket and himself, a scent of sandalwood and musk like a rich incense.

Casie felt her breath partially taken away from his smile, but said nothing about it. If they kept building up his ego he wasn't going to be so charming anymore... At this thought a small smile passed ober her face.

"Sort of like a flute, but you put your lips to it and hold it in front of you." she explained, trying to do a good job.

Cassie's head tilted slightly at him as he laughed. I he laughing at me? What did I say?... she thought the slightest of frowns drawing the corners of her lips down.

These thoughts were immediately brushed off as he asked more questions about the houses and Maddie even added in her two sence. "Well, really it's your most outstanding characteristics." she explained. "There are lots of smart people in houses other than Ravenclaw and lots of loyal people in houses other than Hufflepuffs. I guess it's sorta whats most important to you or what kind of people you get along with best." she said. "Everyone goes to the right house or at least I think so. the think that sorts people into different houses is called the sorting hat and you simply put it on and it can see your deepest held secrets and all your thoughts... Kind of scary really, but you'll get used to the idea." she assured, both Madrigal and Ater. "did anything I just said make any sense?" she asked, realizing she had just been blabbing away...

Cassie felt his hands shifting the coat for a better fit around her and felt immensely content even though her stomach was till doing the same flip flops she had felt earlier, but she figured they may stop if she got some food.

Cass listened to Agatha's explanation, blinked and was lulled off to a deep peaceful sleep. She didn't notice the looks of the two girls next to her... she had been too busy paying attention to the other occupant of the compartment.

"I am Hercules Alexander Saunders. And how was your father?" he asked. He hadn't been able to see him since the last party held by Bacchus. He then looked at the people in the carriage and smiled. He saw Celena and Rai. He was tired from the ride and was very famished.

Ater, listened as the girls explained how the sorting hat worked, it sounded really interesting apart from the whole deepest secret part, which just sounded a bit wrong “hmm, I think I understand, though the deepest secrets and thoughts is a bit… unnerving, at least for me, I’m not used to sharing my thoughts…” the truth was apart from his mother and father no one knew what he really thought, he just never found anyone with whom he felt save to speak with.

Agatha heard Cassie’s explanation and nodded “yup, I think between us we explained it pretty well” she said with a soft giggle and a wink at the nearly asleep Cassie.

Ater was content to just watch Cassie sleep, he didn’t understand why people didn’t enjoy watching other sleep, they looked so peaceful, and beautiful. A strand of hair fell on Cassie’s face and instinctively he reached and with his soft finger placed it behind her ear. Immediately he blushed and whispered an apology to girls, even if she was asleep, this was very disrespectful of him. Obviously, he had been taught way differently from the rest of them.

Dryas looked around and saw no sign of Nina, nor of anyone else who was going to approach Siena. He pointed toward the carriage where he had left Mikki. "We're in there, I'll join you in a second," he said, before striding over to the girl. "Hey, Siena right?" he asked her with a kind smile. "We are in that carriage over there, if you wish you join us?" he asked, hoping that he didn't seem too forward.

Celena nodded in understanding. "Yes, my mother mentioned something about wanting to go..." she said with a small smile. "It has been awhile since I've seen my uncle, although I think my cousin came," she said, glancing out of the carriage for any sign of her. "How is your mother doing?" she asked looking over at Xander once more.

Celena laughed, wondering if there was more to the demigod's statement then he was letting on. "Well, you're on my turf now," she said with a grin. "I hope you can handle it," she said with a slight wink. She felt her heart flutter as she thought over his words, but pushed it back in her mind.

Dryas nodded with a smile. "Well this should be interesting," he said with a grin. "The castle will be filled with demigods learning how to use magic... can you spell disaster?" he asked Mikki with a smile.

Tristan smiled and shook his head as his brother headed off toward Siena. Turning he offered his hand to Mikki. "After you my lady." They were right next to the carriage and his mother had always taught him to help a lady in when she needed it.

Siena turned when a voice sounded next to her. She was surprised and at the same time something else. Her heart did an odd little flip. Strange. "Yes, I am Siena." She continued to stare at him for a couple seconds. He wanted her to come and sit with them. Looking around one last time she still didn't see her sister. There was no harm in joining someone else she supposed.

"Thank you. That would be lovely. You are Dryas right? Demeter's eldest son? Tristan's brother?" She had talked with Tristan a few times, he seemed to sense things about people and had sensed her internal struggle. It was uncomfortable at first but nice too. Talking always seemed to help her she just didn't know who she could trust. Shoving those thoughts away she turned back to the guy in front of her.

"Thanks I'm Selena," she said as she sat down. Akantha didn't seem like she was too happy to be having company.

"She was great. She had a lot of fun on the last festival she had attended for her sake." he said. He then looked as the carriage moved slowly at first. He knows that his other half sisters are here but he had never seen them. He then looked back at Celena, "How about your mom?"

Dryas smiled at Siena and nodded. "Yes, that's me," he said with a grin. "All of the above define me, that's for sure!" he said with a soft laugh. "Well, the carriage is just this way, if you will follow me?" he asked, bowing slightly and indicating the direction they would be going. There was a strange flutter of his heart and he frowned slightly at the sensation. It was like nothing he had ever felt before... but it wasn't a bad feeling.

Celena smiled as she imagine the festival. She had attended a few when she was younger, and they were always a lot of fun. "She is quite well, running around and enjoying the forest!" she said with a soft laugh. "I'm sure that she misses Olympus though," she added with a smile.

Siena smiled slightly and curtsied as he bowed. A frown crossed his face and she picked up a bit of confusion from him. Sighing, she tried to clear her own thoughts as her heart had picked up speed. She followed him as headed toward a carriage. "So, what do you think about this whole situation?" Her father had certain ulterior motives in mind no doubt, but other gods and goddesses definitely don't have the same sick out look on things.

Dryas led the way to the carriage, trying to push back the confusion that was beginning to form in his mind. He turned to look at Siena as she asked him a question. "I think it will be interesting... and I like the challenge of living around mortals," he said with a small smile. He wasn't sure what the gods and goddesses that sent them had in mind. "I'm sure this will be a learning experience for all of us," he added with a grin.

"That's an understatement." She chuckled dryly. She could only speak for herself of course but she would have a hard adjustment she could already tell. She hadn't been around mortals for more then a few minutes at a time and she could tell why now. All the emotions and thoughts were giving her trouble, testing her mental barriers she had so painstakingly errected around her mind.

ooc: sorry.. i found it hard to jump in...and i got busy.

As soon as the train stopped, Alekseye followed the crowd leading outside the train. Looking around she saw carriages. She followed the group. She haven't got a chance to talk to her siblings. She didn't want to bother RAi and Raelyn who were busy conversing with the others so she just tried to settle down at a carriage. Soon a boy followed her inside.

Aragon was looking for someone. But when he could no longer see that person he was waiting for he started to move and join his fellow students outside the train. They're now moving up the castle. He wandered around for an empty one but soon found an almost empty carriage. He just boarded the carriage. "Hello," he greeted the blonde girl. He wondered if the others would join them.

Mikki smiled at Tristian and took his hand, Thank you so much Tristian. She stepped up into the carriage and settled herself. So how was you summer?

Maddie grinned and poked Aggie lightly in the ribs with two fingers, nodding her head in the direction of Ater and Cassie. She was slightly amused that Ater was embarrassed by his own actions, but she didn't say anything to him or to Aggie; she didn't want to ruin the moment between the two of them or wake up Cassie.

OOC: *eats short post* Sorry.

"How was he?" Raelyn asked confused. "He was great and he still is." she replied, pride clearly evident in her voice. "Nice to see you." she said happily. Raelyn couldn't wait to see just who all was here. She was sure Hogwarts was going to be great though... she could just feel it.

Raelyn waved, giving those who had joined their carriage a polite smile. "Hey everyone." she said kindly, moving over to make room for the others. It was getting rather crowded but she didn't mind.

As she was still half asleep she gave Agatha a small wink back which turned into more of a drowsy blink in her direction.

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Cassie began mumbling a bit in her sleep to herself, making no sense at all I her words, but at least they were recognizable as the English language. One of her arms fell her fingers brushing back and forth against the floor of the carriage as she slept, deep breaths coming out as they normally do when someones deep into sleep....

Dryas laughed, bringing his hand up to smother it slightly. "Well, I never said it wasn't," he told her good naturedly. "This is it here," he said, indicating the carriage. He opened the door and bowed slightly in an gentlemanly way, allowing her to go first. "So, did you enjoy the train ride?" he asked her as he followed.

Celena looked over and noticed that Rai was really quiet. She gently elbowed him in the ribs and grinned. "Why so quiet? Does my beauty have you speechless?" she asked, referring to his previous statement. "I'm not Aphrodite's daughter you know," she added as a joke.

Agatha jumped slightly when Maddie poked her, and looked to where her friend signaled, it was sweet seeing Ater and Cassie like that, and she smiled warmly at friend whispering so only they could hear “This is going to be interesting to observe, don’t you think?” just as Aggie finished speaking the carriage began to slow down, and Agatha nearly glowed when she exclaimed “we’re here loves! Welcome to Hogwarts!”

Ater was, for some reason, mesmerized as he watched Cassie sleep, and his trance was only broken when Aggie spoke, at that point he looked at the two girls, and smiled softly “so, Madrigal, what do you reckon it will look like?” he had never seen Hogwarts, not even in picture, so he didn’t know what to expect. He then turned to the sleeping girl on his shoulder, and brought his hand to her face, and brushed his thumb, on her cheek “Cassie… Cassie, wake up, we’re here.” He then softly moved his shoulder up and down, trying to wake the girl, so they could go outside.

Agatha immediately jumped out of the carriage, the night wind entering the vehicle as she opened the door, she took a deep breath and sighed, she was back. As her friends exited the carriage they would be greeted by the sight of the high castle, lighted by the moonlight, and with its windows giving an orange glow of the candles within. It was a sight to behold.

Maddie rolled her eyes at Aggie, but her smile was teasing. Ater and Cassie were adorable, it was undeniable.

She didn't answer Ater's question, but she threw him a hopeful smile. She had no idea what she should expect Hogwarts to look like; she just hoped that she would like it. She was going to be staying there for a full year before she would be able to get a job or a play of her own to stay. She wished she could stay with her father, but she had accepted that that was not really a possibility.

Maddie followed Aggie off the carriage, but didn't immediately look to the castle. Instead, she focused her immediate attention on the thestral that had led their carriage. She hugged his neck again and thanks him for getting them safely to the castle. The thestral didn't quite seem to know what to do with himself. He snorted happily and Maddie released him.

And then she saw the castle.

The breath left her as she took two, slow steps forward, her mouth hanging open in a quiet undignified fashion.

Agatha smiled at Maddie as she hugged the Thestral, and promptly grinned when the girl saw the castle. It was apparent that whatever she had envisioned it hadn’t been this. Aggie walked over to her friend, and placed a hand on her shoulder “so…is that an ‘oh.my.god what an old place?’ or a ‘this is bloody brilliant’ kind of awe?” she said with mirth in her voice, and then started giggling softly.

“Just wait until you see the inside, it’s amazing.” She commented then, it was true, the inside of the castle was every bit as impressive as the outside was.